Touch by Olga
Russia
She is an artist who creates organic and modernistic design to lead a joyful and boundless life of ease. She experiments with minerals, amber, copper, felt, and enamel. Her artist statement is #dolcevitainevitable conveying that the companions of a free and happy life are not just glittery diamonds.
- When did you start dedicating yourself to the world of contemporary jewelry?
I have never made classical jewellery. I came to the contemporary jewellery proceeding from my interior design and art studies. Once I understood that I was very much fascinated by sculpture and wanted to sink into it. I chose the “sculpture” that might be worn and made as one-of-a kind piece of art. Then I graduated basic jewellery design course at Higher British School of Design in Moscow, Russia, but I have always been inspired by modernist art, not by classical jewellery art in a general sense.
- What do you take inspiration from when you start creating a new collection?
My artist statement is “dolce vita inevitable” meaning a new dolce vita which is not in glittery diamonds but in a friendly dialogue in a community, unlimited self-actualization, no judgement, and an affordable jewellery and art. So I am inspired by travelling, street art, contemporary art and exhibitions. I am inspired also by work of my friends - artists, designers, architects, journalists. My style has been impacted by my favourite modernist artists - Georgia O’Keeffe, Max Ernst, Alexander Calder, mostly all Russian avante-garde artists of 1920s.
- What kind of work or material do you prefer?
Natural “abandoned” materials, such as chalk, native copper, corals, amber, quartz. I see beauty in the things that can be found literally under one’s feet. I use metal for making a “support” for wearing the piece.
- What are your points of reference in the world of contemporary jewelry and art?
My favourite first of all is Philipp Sajet (it was a big surprise to learn from him that his grandparents came from my native city of Saratov!). Russian jewellery artists - mimi moscow, Vlad Glynin, Gennady Lentsov, Yuri Bylkov. Unfortunately, Russian modernist jewellery artists were known only inside the country in the 20th century and I am glad that now in the 21 th century we have got an opportunity to be included into the international contemporary jewellery community.
- Three words with which you would describe the Artistar Jewels project -
Neo Dolce Vita
- What do you think of the jewels that were on show this year? Have you been fascinated by any particular creation?
This year I was very much fascinated by works of two sisters from Taiwan, who now are based in UK - YJ Lin Studio. We got acquainted on the Artist’s Night. Also, I very much like Ana Vinuela Lorenzo, Andreia Gabriela Popescu, Anita Sondore. Now when I open the Artistar book of 2018 I discover more and more works that appeal to me much.
- How would you define the atmosphere created on the 22nd and 23rd February nights of Artistar Jewels 2018?
The atmosphere was more that exciting and I made some new friends. I am participating for the second time and It has already become a great spring event for me.
- Would you recommend to other artists to take part in Artistar Jewels?
Last year following my first participation I recommended Artistar to my colleague and friend Sonya Zograbyan. She participated this year and was included into the short-list for touring in galleries. So, I would recommend Artistar to those who consider contemporary jewellery as part of their life.
- What were the services / opportunities that most pushed you to participate in the event?
It’s great promotion and a possibility to intermingle with the contemporary jewellery design community from all over the world!